Beware the DIY Divorce

18/01/2017

Christmas is generally seen as a time for family but sadly, for some people, it’s a period when they seriously question whether they’re happy in their relationship. As a consequence, January is the month which sees the highest number of divorce proceedings started.

Getting a divorce is not only stressful, it can be expensive too - especially if there’s a house move involved. Unraveling bank accounts, a mortgage, insurance policies and pensions can be complex. There may also be loans or credit cards to pay back.

It’s not just the financial aspects of a relationship breakdown that have to be considered either. Even if it’s an amicable decision, agreeing on the arrangements for the children can be fraught with emotional turmoil.

The concept of DIY divorces is to keep costs down. There are a number of different online divorce or dissolution services which vary in price and offer different levels of help. Most will assist with the standard paperwork, but not with any tricky issues including reaching a financial settlement, which isn’t great if there are assets you want to protect or gain a share of. Not only that, “kitchen table” financial settlements aren't legally binding and are easy to overturn in court.

As with a lot of online tools, they don’t take account of the complexities of the law, which may not be obvious at the time you separate. Also, if you don’t take legal advice, you and your ex-partner may agree to split your finances, or child contact arrangements, in a way that’s unfair or hard for one or both of you.

A final word of warning; update your Will, otherwise you may end up leaving your estate to your ex.